I finally got my new Retin A this week and I’m lovin it. To recap my Retin A adventures, I had been using .04% Retin A micro with wonderful results. Its the lowest dose of one of the gentlest forms of tretinoin and I got good results without too much discomfort. After about 10 months, I noticed that I no longer could see that characteristic yourthful glow you get with Retin A and realized it was time to move up to the next level. Dr Marmur gave me a prescription for.1% Retin A– the turbo powered one, not the micro-sphere stuff. And here is where I went rogue. In my local CVS, brand name Retin A was about $200. I decided to order a generic version from Canada for $40. I was so proud of all the money I saved.
When my bargain Retin A arrived, I was a concerned that it was yellow, not white, but I had faith in the label. Concerned that it would be too irritating, I used a dab every other day for a week. Nothing happened. Then I used it every night. Nothing. I used two dabs. Nothing. I used it for a month and while I didn’t get irritated, I didn’t see the lovely “pinking” that I developed with Retin A Micro. I even tried it under my eye. Nothing. I did everything but spread it on toast and eat it. I don’t know what is in this yellow goo, but its not an effective Retin-A.
For my holiday present, I bought myself .1% Retin A micro. At $269 at my pharmacy, it was a commitment. It turned out to be the right choice. Within a week, I’ve got a little glow again. I’m still using it every other day without flaking and redness. My skin feels tight after washing — a signal to keep taking things easy– but I’m back in a good Retin A routinue.
I’ve used so many anti-aging tools, I’m running out of body parts. Its going to get difficult see what procedure or product is responsible for changes. That’s why I am so excited that a good friend has volunteered to join me on this anti-aging exploration. First treatment, IPL for the brown spots on her hands. I used lasers and we can see what a different approach can do. Have a wonderful New Year!
It really irks me how expensive Retin-A is. $269.00 is just outrageous for what I assume is a 45 gram tube when it probably costs pennies for them to make. They have an entire country of middle-aged women over a barrel for this magic potion that no insurance companies will cover. Someone is laughing all the way to the bank and it certainly isn’t us “women of a certain age”.
I’m sorry to hear the Canadian version did not work. I had been planning to ask my MD for a prescription for the 1% and I was also going to try to buy a cheaper generic product online. I also used Retin A Micro 0.04% and then I tried Refissa which is .05% but I would like to increase to the 1%. Apparently the stuff gets more expensive with the greater strength.
Yes, it painful to plunk down that kind of money for a skin care product. But what makes me even madder are the department store brands which are just as expensive and don’t have what it takes to get the job done. I too was very disappointed that the affordable Canadian product was a dud– I really thought I was on to a good thing. Let me know what you decide to do